08/04/2011
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 4, 2011
Present: Jan Regulski Chair
Judith McSwine Vice-Chair
Judith Blanton Board Member
Elizabeth M. O’Brien Board Member
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Mary van Weezel Board Member
Barbara Ann Murphey Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1 – Approval of Minutes
– May 5, 2011
Member Murphey moved to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2011 Library Board
meeting, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
2 – Library Director’s Reports
2.1. FY (Fiscal Year) 2011/12 Budget
Library Director Barbara Pickell said the Library Department’s budget would be
unchanged for the third year; East Library will remain open. Self-check has been successful
and greatly improved staff’s ability to meet responsibilities. She said the resulting reduction in
public contact is a disadvantage.
2.2. Promotions
Ms. Pickell reviewed promotions: 1) Jennifer Obermaier to Assistant Library Director; 2)
Tracey Reed to Countryside Branch Manager; and 3) Heather Husted to head the Answer Line.
Georgina Ata has retired. Internal and external candidates are being considered to head Youth
Services. Recently, the Library has hired only part-time staff. Many are recent college
graduates and are great assets. Most want full-time employment.
2.3. Strategic Planning
Ms. Pickell requested input for strategic planning. The revitalized plan will consider
library service needs over the next 20 years. Future modifications to meet changing needs will
require flexible space. She suggested input from focus groups and the community would help
determine highest priorities. Community outreach will promote community support. It was
suggested that board members could be trained to facilitate focus groups; members expressed
interest in helping with the process. It was recommended that local education levels be
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considered.
Ms. Pickell said planning money is budgeted for FY 2011/12 to renovate the Countryside
Library; construction is budgeted for the following year. The branch will remain in its current
location, leaving little space to expand. The building cannot support a second story. The City
does not want to increase personnel costs. Staff will work with the Fire Department next door to
best use limited space; rehabilitation of both sites is planned for the same time.
th
Ms. Pickell said East Library will celebrate its 25 anniversary tomorrow; former Mayor
Rita Garvey will discuss efforts behind opening the branch.
3 – Unfinished Business
: None.
4 – New Business
: None.
5 – Reports
5.1 Library Foundation
Ms. Pickell said the Friends of the Library supports summer reading programs, which
have attracted a significantly higher number of readers; East Library participation doubled. The
Foundation also funds a half-time Hispanic Outreach Liaison, who has helped to increase library
use by Hispanic youth. She thanked the Foundation, Friends of the Library, and Clearwater
Women’s Club for funding the Volunteer Coordinator position, which has had a positive impact
by increasing the number of library volunteers.
5.2 Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library President George Beech discussed intern programs and
scholarships funded by the Friends. He said organization income comes from branch
bookstores, two annual books sales, and membership dues. He said the Friends did not want
to do City jobs. The Friends have provided headsets, chairs, children’s games, flash drives and
funding toward the Volunteer Coordinator. He said young people applying for internships are
bright, confident, and a pleasure to interview. It was noted that youth librarians depend on
summer interns to stage puppet shows. Ms. Pickell said the Friends provide the Library with a
projected annual budget and quarterly reports.
Friends supported programs were complimented. Discussion ensued regarding the
Volunteer Appreciation event and the need to schedule it before volunteer students return to
school.
Member Murray reported help is needed for the October 22 fall book sale. The Wine
and Book Festival is scheduled at Station Square Park. The Library and Friends of the Library
will have tables.
Items not on the Agenda
North Greenwood Library
Ms. Pickell said the Martin Luther King Center will close at the end of 2011 and its
programming will relocate to the North Greenwood Recreation Center. The North Greenwood
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Library's partnership to provide a computer lab for the programs will help familiarize many
children with the library. Five computers will remain accessible while remodeling occurs. The
lab will have 24 computers; currently the branch has 10. Four computers will be available to the
public when the lab is in use.
The Parks & Recreation Department will provide North Greenwood branch custodial
services. Library hours will be extended to 40 a week, beginning October 3. The new hours will
provide time for adults to use the library when school is in session.
In response to a question, Ms. Pickell said every library computer is used every hour.
The 15 computers at both East and Countryside branches are insufficient to meet demand but
there is a lack of space to add more. The importance of computer literacy was stated.
Main Library's Café
Ms. Pickell said the Main Library's café will reopen on August 22, 2011. The partnership
with the school district has been a positive experience; the only downside is the café closes
during school holidays. It was recommended that staff research and apply for awards related to
this unique program as its success could be replicated elsewhere.
Evening with the Author
Member Blanton reported Clearwater Women's Club Evening with the Author on
November 18, 2011, will feature Lisa Unger. Tickets are available through members. Proceeds
help support the Volunteer Coordinator position.
Advisory Board Appreciation Reception
The City was thanked for hosting the Advisory Board Appreciation Reception which
provided Library Board members an opportunity to meet members of other City boards.
6—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:24 a.m.
Attest:
h ir, Library"oard
Alt 4 L A'♦ /
1rBoard Reporter
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